UPDATE: Alex Len can practice now and play after 10-game penalty

Jeff BarkerThe Baltimore Sun

UPDATE: Olexiy ("Alex") Len, a center from Antratsit, Ukraine, is back practicing with the Terps today and can play following a 10-game penalty.Maryland learned today about the 10 games that Len, a promising 7-footer, will miss as a penalty for previously having played with a club overseas.Maryland, lacking in depth and size, will welcome the player, who is known as a shot-blocker.Len should be available for the entire ACC schedule. Maryland's 11th game is against Albany on Dec. 28. The first conference game is Jan. 8 at N.C. State. Len only recently turned 18-years-old, "so the kid's still growing, still getting his coordination, but he's got a chance," Maryland coach Mark Turgeon said several weeks ago.

"He's one of those guys at the end of the year I think you'll look and say he's our most improved player because it's all so new to him and God gave him so much ability that he should improve at a pretty high rate."Maryland issued a statement after the decision was rendered. “We appreciate the NCAA’s cooperative review of Alex’s case,” Maryland AD Kevin Anderson said. “However, it has been a difficult situation in light of Alex’s educational pursuits. Alex and his family have been very patient and honest throughout this process, which speaks well of his character.” Turgeon said in the news release: “Alex has been working very hard to prepare himself for this opportunity. We look forward to having him on the court and to see how he’ll fit into what we want to do offensively and defensively.”